In this book Bartholomew the Bird
will be sharing with you a very
important learning experience
about the many ways to use
water wisely.

I would like to dedicate this story to all of my first grade readers. I hope you guys enjoy the story and learn a valuable lesson from Bartholomew. I also want to tell you to never give up because you never know what can happen. Maybe one day you guys will be writing a story yourselves.

Monah Mendez

There is a bird by the name of Bartholomew.
He is now in the first grade, just as you are.
Bartholomew is an only child and lives in a nest
with his mother and his father. One day while
Bartholomew was at school his teacher,
Mrs. Hatfrie, explained to her students that
using water wisely helps the environment,
and that she wanted them to do a project on
how they should use water wisely.

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Bartholomew was confused at what Mrs. Hatfrie was asking
of the students, so he raised his wing to ask a question
and waited until his teacher called on him. When she did,
Bartholomew asked, “What does ‘Water, Use it Wisely’ mean?”

Mrs. Hatfrie answered, “Using water wisely means to use less
water, which is how we conserve, or save water.”

“Oh, I get it! I understand now,” said Bartholomew.

2

Once school was dismissed for the day, it was time for
Bartholomew to fly to his nest. When he got home, he
shared with his parents what he learned in school about
using water wisely. He also told them how Mrs. Hatfrie
wanted every student in the class to try to use less water.

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From what Bartholomew understood, using water wisely
meant he should use less water, which would save water.
He thought about it and decided if using less water would
save water, he was certain it was true that if he were to stop
using water all together, it would mean he would save twice
as much. So Bartholomew stopped showering, brushing his
teeth, washing his hands, flushing the toilet, and watering
the grass. Bartholomew was very happy because he knew he
was really using water wisely and also saving a lot of water.

4

After a few days of Bartholomew saving water in his special
way, his parents and Mrs. Hatfrie began to realize that
maybe Bartholomew was taking his “Water Use it Wisely”
project a little too far. He started to look and smell very
bad. His parents decided that they needed to sit him down
and go over the importance of using water wisely and how
water can be saved without giving it up completely.
Bartholomew’s parents told him that they could all save
water by limiting their water use, while staying clean and
healthy and protecting the environment.

5

The next day after school, Bartholomew went to Mrs.
Hatfrie and asked if she would tell him a couple of ways
to use water wisely, without giving it up completely.

Mrs. Hatfrie told Bartholomew several ways to use water
wisely. He said thank you and went home to again discuss
the ideas with his parents.

6

Bartholomew told his parents that they could save water by
replacing their grass with California Friendly plants, which
use 50% less water, than grass. He also told them they
should turn the sprinklers off when it rains. He even suggested
that they put buckets out to catch the rain water and
then use it to water their plants.

7

Bartholomew then told his parents he would do his part to
use water wisely by brushing his teeth while taking a shower.

8

Bartholomew learned that there are many ways to use water
wisely without giving it up completely. For example, when
washing the dishes by hand, he doesn’t let the water run.
Instead, he fills up the sink and then turns the water off.
He also reminded his parents to check their pipes for leaks.
He told all of his friends and neighbors that if they have
grass, they should water in the evening, when it is cooler,
to minimize evaporation.

9

Even if you do not think you can make a big
difference because of your age, do not be
discouraged and do not give up.

There are a number of ways to save
water, and they all start with you!

Well, you and Bartholomew!

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Bartholomew the Bird

Author and Illustrator

Monah Mendez

Hello, my name is Monah Raeanne Mendez. I am an eighth grader who lives in California. I love spending time with my friends and family, who are very supportive in everything that I do. I’ve gone to a private school for nine years of my life or should I say my whole life! The reason I wrote about Bartholomew the Bird is because I wanted to try to teach the little ones how important water conservation is, but in an interesting and creative way. I thought why not make it about an animal with a catchy name and so Bartholomew was the name that I chose. Finally, I would like to thank my mom, dad, grandma, and brothers for being so supportive of me through this whole process. I would also like to thank my aunt, uncle and little cousin for inspiring me and giving me motivation when I needed it. Of course I would like to thank my friends: Jami, Paige, Riley, Christina, and Haven, I love you guys!! Most of all I would like to thank my English teacher Mrs. Sissung because without her this whole story would have never been made.

Author/Illustrator’s teacher

Cathy Sissung

I have been a teacher at Calvary Murrieta Christian School for over fifteen years, and have taught middle school English for 10 years. I enjoy looking for opportunities for my students to enter writing contests. In the past, I had a student whose essay won 1st place in the state of California for her drug essay. She was awarded $500. This year I had three students win the district contest for the Elks Club essay contest, and Monah Mendez won the Eastern Municipal Water District/Rancho California Water District (EMWD/RCWD) “Write Off ” contest with her story and illustrations. I am very proud of my students. This year, I am also teaching Associated Student Body, English as a Second Language, and a math class. In the past, I have taught grades 3 — 8, and coached Cross Country. I have also hosted a running club at our school to keep the students in top physical shape. I earned my Master’s degree in education from Azusa Pacific University, and I continue to take courses and seminars so that I can stay current with the education system and best benefit my students. I am fortunate to have a job where I can benefit others and make a difference in our community now and in the future.

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Acknowledgements

Eastern Municipal Water District Education Specialist Malea Ortloff developed the award winning Write Off program in an effort to foster water use efficiency in both middle and elementary school students. She uses a cross-age approach, which allows older students to write stories geared toward younger (elementary) students about the importance of water in our lives. Once the winning story is selected and published, Malea designs curriculum that is grade-level appropriate and also keeps the water use efficiency message in the classroom for a longer period of time. This year more than 350 entries were received, making it a difficult choice to select a winner. The winning story is entertaining, engaging, and informative.

Eastern Municipal Water District wishes to thank the following students, teacher, graphic designer, and advisory committee for their collaboration and contributions in the development of this book.

Author

Monah Mendez

Mentor Teacher

Cathy Sissung

CALVARY MURRIETA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Advisory Committee

Malea Ortloff

Education Specialist

EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

Meggan Valencia

Public Information Officer

RANCHO CALIFORNIA WATER DISTRICT

Ailene Earl

Education Assistant

EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT

Book Design

Lisa Huppert

STUDIO L

Illustrator

Monah Mendez

Charlotte Golden

Principal Water Education Specialist

THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT
OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Teresa Barnett

First Grade Teacher at Megan Cope Elementary School

SAN JACINTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

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Copyright pending. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or quoted in whole or in part by any other printed or electronic means, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photo copying, recording, or otherwise, or for presentation on radio, television, videotape or film without written permission from Eastern Municipal Water District

This book is intended for educational, artistic, and water conservation purposes. Permission is never granted for commercial purposes. Manufactured in U.S.A. The printing of this book was sponsored in part by Rancho California Water District and with Community Partnering Program funds through The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

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